Fluid inclusions in natron - a window into the interior of Enceladus
This study investigates the freezing behaviour of an Enceladus-type Na-Cl-CO3 solution using combined synchrotron X-ray computed microtomography and diffraction. The first observation of fluid inclusions in cryogenic natron (Na2CO3 . 10 H2O) is reported, establishing natron as a mineral of high astrobiological importance and arguing that future missions should prioritize sampling surface natron deposits for their potential to trap and preserve signatures of life.
Astrobiology
Cryospheric science
X-ray tomography (XCT)
Correlative X-ray tomography and diffraction
Enceladus
Fluid inclusions
First observation of fluid inclusions in cryogenic natron, a mineral predicted to be present on Saturn’s moon Enceladus, providing a window into its interior geochemistry.
Liam Perera
James Le Houx 
Alberto Leonardi
Sarah Day
Stephen Thompson